Speech Events

Speech Overview

Verve provides coaching and support for a variety of speech events including:

• Limited Preparation

• Platform (original content)

• Interpretative Speeches (interpreting a published piece)

Limited Prep

Impromptu:  Students are assigned a random topic (quotation, word, or concept), given two minutes of prep time, then present a five minute speech. 

Extemporaneous:  Students have 30 minutes of prep time to use their club’s current events research followed by a 7 minute speech on a news topic.

Apologetics:  Similar to Extemporaneous, the student has 4 minutes to prepare for a 6 minute speech regarding core issues of their faith.

Platform Speeches

Original Oratory:  Students work to refine a single speech throughout the year on a topic of their choice.  The speech must be memorized and presented in an engaging manner. 

Persuasive:  Similar to Original Oratory, but with a focus on persuading the audience.

Expository:  Students present an original platform speech which informs or explains a particular topic with the use of visual aids.

Dramatic Interpretation and Humorous

Dramatic Interpretation and Humorous Interpretation:

These speeches interpret works of fiction into theatrical performances.  

Duo Interpretation:

Same as Dramatic or Humorous, but being performed by two students in tandem. 

Open Interpretation:

The student may interpret a wide variety of written work including original work, unpublished work by others, or traditional published literature.